A New Feature on the Monroe County EGIS System can Determine Solar Energy Potential

March 1, 2016—Monroe County, IN— A new feasibility study reveals that several Monroe County properties show great solar power potential. The study, titled “GIS Analysis of Solar Energy Potential in Monroe County,” was prepared by Ben Weise, a Service Corps Fellow from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington currently working with the Monroe County Planning Department. Weise’s project was awarded the Outstanding Student Project of 2016 by the Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Using light detection data in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Weise created a map layer residents can use to determine whether their property is suitable for solar panel installation. The results of this report have been added to the County’s EGIS website

. To utilize this tool, residents can enter the EGIS website, search their property address, and then choose the “Annual Solar Potential” checkbox on the right hand side to view the potential suitability for solar installations on their property.

The Monroe County EGIS website can be accessed by the public to answer frequently asked questions related to zoning, property ownership, and environmental constraints. The Annual Solar Potential tool has been added to help inform residents interested in installing solar panels on their property. Note that this tool is not meant to replace the expertise of a solar contractor. To view the full report and learn about other projects, visit the Monroe County Planning Department website or call (812) 349-2560.